For days, it seems that the fate of nearly 90 million Iranians hangs between war and peace, as American and Iranian officials exchange threats alongside calls to renew diplomacy. With representatives from both countries preparing for indirect talks in Geneva, seen as a last opportunity to reach an agreement that could prevent war, many Iranians are packing emergency bags, purchasing generators, and contemplating fleeing to rural areas or even leaving the country altogether. Others have resigned themselves to the tense waiting game, feeling they have little understanding of what the future holds and few real means to prepare for it.

The anxiety among the population is palpable, with individuals expressing feelings of paralysis and distress. One Tehran chemist named Sarah spoke to The New York Times, describing her mental turmoil, saying, "I am going crazy. I hope what needs to happen will happen soon, so we can get out of this limbo." At 53, with two children, Sarah is grappling with the decision of whether it’s too early to remove her daughter from school and begin evacuating elderly relatives. She noted that if war breaks out, the roads leading out of Tehran will quickly become congested.

Many Iranians have already experienced the urgency of fleeing during the recent 12-day war with Israel, where millions had to escape the capital. This historical context amplifies the current apprehension, as citizens recall the chaos and uncertainty that followed conflict in the region. The situation highlights a critical moment for Iran, where leadership signals appear stable, yet the public remains fraught with anxiety about their destiny amid global tensions and impending negotiations.